Newsletter

Cast wide and far

Courtesy of Jean TannerHarry Tanner Jr. No. 3

Courtesy of Jean TannerHarry Tanner Jr.No. 4

Courtesy of Jean TannerJean Tanner's son Harry Tanner Jr. practices for the upcoming shrimp baiting season. Tanner wraps the rope of the net around his wrist, catching the net up in the same hand, placing the lead line in between his lips, grabbing a portion of lead line with the other hand and then in synchronous releasing the net into the water. Seconds after the net settles to the bottom, quick, short pulls on the rope makes the net tuck as it gathers the shrimp when pulling it in.

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CAST WIDE AND FAR

Locals will head to the docks and boats Sept. 9 for the start of the shrimp baiting season.

In the 1980s the recreational sport of shrimp baiting became popular. Since then state regulations have been set up for catch limits, methods and seasons. A shrimp baiting permit is required at $25 for South Carolina residents. With the permit, you get a set of reflective tape tags to place on a maximum of 10 poles that are stuck in the mud in a row not to exceed 100 yards.

Bait balls about the size of a Burger King Whopper made up of a mix of river mud and fish meal or powdered clay and meal moistened with water are thrown out near the poles. The shrimper in his boat then “runs the poles” casting the net near the poles over the bait catching the shrimp. Dock owners also, with a permit, use bait balls dropped in the water to catch shrimp.

This year the baiting season, which lasts for 60 days, begins at noon Sept. 9 and runs until Nov. 8. The catch limit is 48 quarts whole or 29 quarts headed per boat. There are strict penalties in place for exceeding the limit, with a $5,000 fine and up to 30 days in jail. A license is suspended for two years with confiscation of catch, boat, motor and equipment. Each quart over the limit carries a separate offense.

So, get your permit, grab your net and other necessities and head to the river for some happy shrimping.

Jean Tanner is a longtime Pritchardville resident and frequent Hardeeville Today contributor. She is rarely without a camera and often shares her photographic finds with the paper.

FILL OUT A LICENSE

Visit www.dnr.sc.gov/regs/pdf/shrimpbaitinglic.pdf for a printable version of a license or call 803-734-3833.

Anyone with specific questions regarding marine resources rules and regulations may contact the DNR Law Enforcement Office in Port Royal at 843-524-9190.